[Updated Nov. 9] — Parisian startup Linutop has updated the Linux-based firmware for its compact, low-power, Geode-based Internet appliance. The V1.2 firmware's improved graphics driver and media player enables the Linutop mini-PC to serve as a DVB-T rendering device or digital video kiosk, the vendor claims.

For users in areas with DVB-T coverage, the V1.2 software upgrade includes drivers for DVB-T video and USB DVB-T tuner dongles, the company says. There are also drivers for Novatel cellular modem cards — possibly including the just-launched Ovation U727. Other enhancements in the v1.2 firmware update include Windows file-sharing, and a shortened boot time.

Linutop V1.2's VLC media player rendering DVB-T content
(Click to enlarge)

The video-enabled Linutop is said to support full-screen simultaneous video playback and Internet access, using the VLC cross-platform media player. The device accepts video input from external storage or the network, and also comes with software said to enable users to broadcast digital video or audio.

Linutop founder Frederic Baille enthused, “I was surprised we were able to make this to work. DVB-T is impressive; it is like having a good excuse to have a TV on my desk and still [have it] look like a work environment.”

Baille added, “I just got orders from major ISPs, Universities (Swiss and German), and research centers.”

Background — the LinuTop

Linutop (Click for more details)

The Linutop first shipped in May, boasting under-6-Watt power usage, but Linutop is now claiming 5-Watt power stats. Measuring 3.7 x 1.1 x 5.9 inches (9.3 x 2.7 x 15 cm) and weighing 9.9 ounces (280 grams) the device is based on a 433MHz AMD Geode LX [email protected] processor. The fanless box comes with 256MB of RAM, and uses a 1GB USB flash key for storage. The Linutop is equipped with audio, VGA, 10/100 Ethernet, and four USB 2.0 ports, with optional USB WiFi.

On the software side, the Linutop is based on Xubuntu Linux, an optimized form of Ubuntu that uses the ultra-lightweight XFCE window manager. The device can also run Mandriva, Slackware, DSL (damn small Linux), and Puppy Linux, the vendor says.

Based in large part on its device's low power usage, Linutop was recently awarded the TIC21 prize for sustainable innovation. Sponsored by the European Commission Ministry for Ecology, the award is given for companies addressing the issues of energy efficiency and climate change.

Availability

Existing Linutop customers can upgrade their software for free from the Linutop site. The Linutop is priced at 280 Euros (approx. $380).

 
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